The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is Australia's national transport safety investigator. The ATSB's function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport. The ATSB is Australia's prime agency for the independent investigation of civil aviation, rail and maritime accidents, incidents and safety deficiencies.

Summary

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a fatal aircraft accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft, registered VH-FYN, that occurred about 13 km NNW of Ballina, NSW on 16 June 2017.

The aircraft collided with terrain and the pilot, the only person on board, was fatally injured.

The ATSB has deployed a team of four investigators to the accident site with expertise that includes aircraft engineering and maintenance.

While on site the team will be examining the site and wreckage, gathering any recorded data, and interviewing any witnesses.

The ATSB will provide an update on its website outlining the facts of the accident within 30 days.

Updated: 17 July 2017

On 16 June 2017, a Cessna Aircraft Company C172M, registered VH-FYN, was being operated on a private flight from Southport Mason Field, Queensland to Ballina Airport, New South Wales. The purpose of the flight was to ferry the aircraft to Ballina for routine maintenance. The pilot, who was the owner of the aircraft, was the sole occupant.

The aircraft departed Southport Mason Field at approximately 0811 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).[1] Recorded air traffic control (ATC) data showed the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 1,500 ft above mean sea level (AMSL) and turned south-east. The aircraft then tracked over Robina Town Centre to Stotts Island at between 1,500 and 1,800 ft AMSL along the western visual flight rules (VFR) route. The aircraft then turned further south and tracked towards Ballina at 1,500 ft AMSL. ATC data then showed the aircraft descend to an altitude of 800 ft AMSL near Bangalow, NSW, and track inland to the west before radar identification was lost. Radar identification was regained momentarily, further west at an altitude of 700 ft AMSL.

At approximately 0845, a witness travelling south on the Pacific Highway, just past Bangalow, reported seeing a low flying aircraft turning to the west and disappearing into cloud. The witness stated there were low patchy clouds with fog and drizzly rain in the area at the time. At approximately 0850, several witnesses in the vicinity of Brooklet, NSW heard the engine noise of a low flying aircraft, followed by a loud bang.

The aircraft wreckage was located on a farming property near Brooklet, 13 km NNW of Ballina airport. Several witnesses in the vicinity of the accident site reported low cloud and fog in the area at the time of the accident.

Figure 1: The accident aircraft, VH-FYN

Source: Dave Wilson

Wreckage examination

On-site examination of the wreckage and surrounding ground markings indicated that the aircraft impacted terrain in a steep nose‑down attitude and banked to the right. The aircraft initially impacted trees near the crest of a ridge. Both wings separated from the fuselage, which was located approximately 30 m down from the ridge. The engine and propeller had also separated from the fuselage and were a further 20 m along the wreckage trail. A strong smell of aviation fuel was present at the accident site. There was no evidence of fire.

Evidence from examination of the engine and propeller was consistent with the engine producing power at the time of the accident. A number of aircraft instruments and electronic devices were recovered from the accident site for further examination by the ATSB. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, nor was it required to be.

Ongoing investigation

The investigation is continuing and will include consideration of the:

weather in the region and its effect on the flight

pilot’s qualifications, experience and medical history

maintenance documentation

recovered instruments and available electronic data.

___________The information contained in this web update is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and is derived from the initial investigation of the occurrence. Readers are cautioned that new evidence will become available as the investigation progresses that will enhance the ATSB's understanding of the accident as outlined in this web update. As such, no analysis or findings are included in this update.